Abstract
In Australia, an estimated 12.7% of patients with ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) die or have recurrent myocardial infarctions within 30 days of diagnosis.1 Prompt reperfusion reduces morbidity and mortality, and guidelines consequently aim to minimise the time between symptom onset and reperfusion.1-3 Patients with chest pain may arrange their own transport to an emergency department or travel by ambulance. The risk period is shorter for patients without access to a defibrillator when they travel by ambulance, and they receive initial management more promptly. In Australia, only one in two patients with STEMI calls an ambulance.4 Characterising patients less likely to call an ambulance would inform targeted public health efforts to improve this situation.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 377-378 |
Number of pages | 2 |
Journal | Medical Journal of Australia |
Volume | 214 |
Issue number | 8 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - May 2021 |
Keywords
- Acute coronary syndrome
- Coronary artery disease
- Emergency medical services
- Myocardial infarction
- Transportation of patients